Save meeeee....... I'm falliiiiiing.......

[Adk.IBO]

Well after 25 motorcycles (10 for the street and 15 off road) I'm definitely ready for my 26th. After multiple, very multiple, trips to 4 different Harley dealers with 3 test rides, and a bunch of pencil sharpening, (never seen the HD community so hungry) I had pretty much settled on ... a 2011 Road King in Sedona Orange with ABS and about $1800 in accessories, my first HD. Then I swing into the closest BMW dealer (once mind you) and he's got a 2011 R1200RT, loaded, in the tri color option and for 2 weeks I've been teeter tottering seems like every 1/2 hour! I've owned 2 wonderful BMWs and put 26K on one and 36K on the other with phenominal memories on each. Then they (BMW) pissed me off and went searching again.. a Beta, a Kawi Concours (old style) and my current ride an 04' Ducati ST4SABS (for sale by the way) and my next will be....(stay tuned Batman).  Harley's dealer network, following, hugh availability of parts and accessories has me chompin' at the bit...  Plus my wifes comfort is a factor, hence the HD,  RT over a GS. Anybody else been in this spot before? But'.. me.. on a Harley..? The BMW is a buy it, ride it affair.. The HD- buy it, ride it, modify it, ride it, modify some more and so on (part of the fun but expensive).  No, no loud pipes for me, the Duc was tempting as they sound soooo good! So.. what say ya'all? BMW is pretty hungry also as both are willing to be fair on a trade with my Ducati. In fairness I should do the same post on an HD biased site, but man are those guys vocal!

[Formerly Known as Bigfoot]

Both are sweet bikes.  Can't go wrong with either.

[loadedmind]

One vote for the Beemer here.

[mugwump58]

Just window shopping... Is your bike listed here?

[Blue Bye You]

It also depends on your riding style. The BMW is eminantly more ridable, and much less of a change from your Duck. The HD will be a much bigger adjustment and just won't do some of the things the Duck or the BMW can. To me the BMW would be smack in the middle between the Duck and the HD and might be less of a jump as changes go. In the end, they are both cumfy for the passenger compared to the Duck, so get the one that makes you smile the most while riding it.

I see more test rides in your future.  

[bikerfish1100]

don't discount the GS as a 2up ride unless you've take one out with your wife aboard.

[Orson]

A Norge is a good halfway point between an RT and the Ducati  

plus they don't force you to wear those houndstooth jackets with the leather patches on the elbows.

[servicerifle]

I vote for the use of more paragraphs.

[tdeboeser]

I vote for the use of more paragraphs.

+1

Keep the Duc...

[Adk.IBO]

Orson- The Norge is a viable and almost taken possibility last spring, kinda like electronic cruise and my Ducati/ Moto Guzzi dealer is some 400 odd miles away compared to 60.

Bikerfish- I'm only 5'4" so the only GS would be the low version and my wife does not like to be perched. If she quit riding all together... no question!

Blue Bye You- Good perspective, thanks. At 53 I am trying to slow down a bit, get more tire life- 5K on a rear ain't cuttin' it. You can't even cross the country and back.

Mugwump 58- Not listed yet, time slipped by so it looks like a spring sale, unless some one's gotta have it now. I bought the Duc used (very little) and the trade value is acceptable to me which puts a private sale at $7250 with extras.

[atadaskew]

Both are very nice bikes.
Keep in mind the service on the Harley takes just minutes at home (basically just change the oils and filter), while the BMW requires a valve check every 6000 miles (Harley is hydraulic).  BMW now uses shims to adjust the valves, so if something needs to be adjusted, while easy enough it will take visits to the dealer to get the correct shims.

I've had a Harley so if it was me, I'd get the BMW.  But if I've previously owned a BMW, and have not owned a Harley, I'd get the Harley.  Try something different.

[falconati]

Personally I'd get the BMW - they're different bikes, but both will satisfy what you're looking for (in different ways)

[Gsam]

BMW

[stevent]

As it happens I just traded an Electra Glide Standard for R1200 GS. My original intent was to trade for a K1200GT or an R1200RT, also in the running was a new Road Glide Ultra and a Norge`. If I had to do it all again I probably would have got the ..( tossing coin)...K1300GT..

Seriously you can't go wrong with any of them, Harley"s are a ball to ride as long as you can ignore all the pirate nonesense and realistically you can ride them bone stock with no trouble. The Beemer's offer better performance and handling at the cost of more expensive maintenance, the Moto Guzzi is just a really cool bike. I got the GS because it was the most fun to ride at the time. I would probably get the GT next time because it's more my style.      

[Hardware]

BMW all the way.

[Adk.IBO]

 
           Well, the Norge has risen to the top of the heap again. A deal on a new '09 I might not be able to pass up. My choice- silver, bronze, or no way black. I have never seen the new bike market so hungry! We're talking nearly 1/2 the cost of the HD or BMW. The difference could equate to alot more free time to ride.  No trade though, '04 ST4S ABS price could drop- offers? If I close on the deal the Duc goes to Craigslist and then E-bay pronto.

[Lawn Dart]

don't discount the GS as a 2up ride unless you've take one out with your wife aboard.

True.  However the GS suspension is woefully soft for two-up with luggage.   You really do lose a lot of control with the softer suspension.  However it's a Cadillac ride - open highway is just luxurious!

[Adk.IBO]

The Norge is ordered! Silver '09 leftover. Almost 1/2 of what I would have spent on the HD or BMW. Should be at the dealer in a week to 10 days. (NO pics yet   and the dealer is some 400 miles away).

[BobW]

Congrats, having it properly set up will make it one of the best rides around. No regrets on my Stelvio after many Triumphs, BMW,UJM,etc.

Great bikes. Cheers

[Attack Pug]

The BMW,  I like to corner without dragging something

[Robus]

The RT and Road King are such different bikes.  It depends on what kind of riding you're planning to do.  If you are planning to do mostly one-up and like a sportier ride, the RT is the way to go.  If you're planning a lot of relaxed, two-up riding over longer distances and if keeping your gal's tender buttocks happy is a concern, the HD wins.

I was making a similar choice this past summer.  I decided that since most of my riding is commuting and the lighter weight is a plus, the RT was my best choice.  I bought a 2010 RT and am loving it.  For me, the novelty of a new brand was an incentive, since I've ridden Harleys.

Negatives for the RT:  1.  Dealerships are few and far between.  My nearest HD dealer is a mile up the road.  To get service on the RT is a round trip of 70 miles.  2.  Seat height (was an issue for me), unless you are a tall guy you won't be able to flat-foot it with both feet.  That took some getting used to.  3.  Supposedly expensive to service, although I haven't experienced this so far.

Negatives for the HD:  1.  Around here, everybody rides them.  2.  You look kinda comical riding one ATGATT... (looks more natural on the Beemer)...

Seriously, I'm happy with my choice.  But I think there will be a bagger in my future, sooner or later.

[stevent]

Excellent score on the Norge`. I really like them but I had a high dollar trade in and the Guzzi dealer wasn't in a position to pay it off....

The more I ride my GS the more it's growing on me, I'd still like a Guzzi at some point.